The San Pedro Tigersharks Basketball team has made it to the finals of the National Elite Basketball League (NEBL). The home team won their ticket to the finals after sweeping the Belmopan Point Bandits. The Tigersharks won 2 straight games out of 3, with the second playoff victory landed on Friday May30th at the University of Belize, Belmopan Campus Gymnasium.
The home team was the first to open the scoreboard with the combined efforts of Stephen Williams and Christian Rodriguez. But San Pedro’s Michael Adams and Tyrone Edwards teamed up on the forward to even the score. The Bandits didn’t back down, and they took control of the first quarter, ending 15 – 13 in their favor. With just two points behind, the Tigersharks were determined to flip the lead at the start of the second quarter. Ashton Edwards and Winston Pratt, combined with Adams and Tyrone Edwards were forces to be reckoned with as they kept slamming baskets. By the time the long whistle went off at half-time, the Tigersharks were in control: 36-32.
In the third quarter, both teams found themselves neck-and-neck. The Bandits knew it was their last opportunity to make it to the finals, but the Tigersharks were determined to seal their opportunity. Seasoned Tigersharks’ Doug Penland came into the game bringing much experience and playing calmly and confidently amongst the anxious Bandits players. Jamal Kelly added needed energy to keep up with Dorian Jones and Jamal Harris of the Point Bandits. When the third quarter ended, the scoreboard registered 56 – 53 in favor of the Tigersharks.
With only a three-point difference, heading to the fourth and final quarter it could have been any team’s win, and so strategy was important. Tigersharks Head Coach Gary Issacson was not willing to take the series to game three, and so he stuck to his best ‘Sharks”. After a couple of adjustments, the visitor’s took command of the ball and ended the game victoriously with 78-71 on the scoreboard. Tyrone Edwards was the player of the night with 22 points total.
Looking ahead to the finals
In the other semi-final game, on Friday May 30th Cayo Western Ballaz triumphed over Belize City Smart No Limits, 64 – 62, and forced a third game (win or go home). That game will be played at the Sacred Heart Auditorium, San Ignacio, Cayo on Friday June 6th.
The winner of Friday night’s game will play the San Pedro Tigersharks in the NEBL finals. The first of the three final games is scheduled to be played on Sunday June 8th at 1PM at the Rafael Angel Nuñez Auditorium. Everyone is invited to come out cheer for their favorite team. Tigersharks fans are being asked to wear black T-shirts to show support to the home team.